Schedule of Sacred Music

Our Sacred Music Ministry

The Sacred Music Ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes is charged with the task of offering music in the liturgy that contributes to "the Glory of God, and the sanctification of the faithful," (Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, Article 112). This is accomplished by seeking to offer the most prayerful rendering of sacred texts, the most empowering leadership to congregational song, and the most inspiring contributions to the prayer and devotion of the assembled faithful.

The Congregation

The human voice is the primary instrument of musical worship in the Catholic Church. The communal singing of hymns, psalms, and sacred texts fosters unity, gives glory to God, and unpacks mysteries of our faith. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we encourage everyone to join in the singing, and place a great emphasis on congregational song.

The Parish Choir

The Choir sings at the 11:00 AM mass on Sundays, as well as Holy Days of obligation, from fall Ordinary Time through the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM, and at 10:00 AM on Sundays, in the choir loft. New members are welcomed throughout the year, and encouraged to contact Chris Ganza, Organist & Choirmaster, at the parish office (612-379-2259 or christopher@ourladyoflourdesmn.com).

The Cantors

The Cantors sing at the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturdays and at the 8:30 AM Mass on Sundays, and at the 11:00 Mass on Sundays during the summer months. The role of the cantor is to sing certain parts of the Mass in alternation with the congregation, and to sing the Propers of the Mass, which include the Introit, Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, Offertorium, and Communio. Cantors occasionally offer works from the sacred vocal repertoire.

The Vespers Choir

The Vespers Choir sings at Vespers services, held on the second Thursday of the month, and assists the congregation in singing the chanted psalms, canticles, and hymnody of the Office of Vespers. For more information about Vespers at Our Lady of Lourdes, visit www.vespersatlourdes.com.

The Organ

The organ at Our Lady of Lourdes was installed by the Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois, in 1965. The organ accompanies the congregation, choir, and cantors, and provides voluntaries during the Mass.